Aussie Air Rage Attacks Going Up

The Office of Transport Security recorded 279 reports of altercations between passengers and other “unruly behaviour” in 2008, up 64 from 2007.

However, the Bureau of Infrastructure Transport and Regional Economics said Australian airlines carried 3.7 million less passengers.

Air rage assaults on cabin crew around the world have nearly doubled, with figures from the Civil Aviation Authority recording 99 “incidents of violence” in 2007-8, compared to 58 in the previous year.

“We are not surprised by the increase in reports of incidents,” said Australian Services Union secretary, Ingrid Stitt.

“Australian airports are chronically understaffed; airline companies are changing their policies and not explaining them enough to passengers.

“Companies are introducing new technology, which is causing confusion amongst the travelling public.”